The Incorporated Trustees of RIVBRIDGE PEACE INITIATIVE, a non-governmental organization based in Rivers State, has filed a lawsuit (Suit No: FHC/43/CS/2025) against key figures in the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The suit names President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Accountant General of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, as defendants.

Represented by Clifford N. Chuku Esq., the claimant is challenging the constitutionality of the release of Rivers State funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund without compliance with constitutional provisions and an existing Supreme Court ruling.

The suit contends that the defendants violated Section 120, 121, and 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) and an order from the Supreme Court in Rivers State House of Assembly v. Government of Rivers State (2025) LPELR-80539(SC). The claimants argue that the President, the Attorney General, the Accountant General, and the CBN are legally bound by the Supreme Court’s order, which prohibits the release of funds to the Sole Administrator of Rivers State until the state budget is presented to the House of Assembly.

According to the claimants, the federal authorities, by directing the release of funds, have acted in defiance of the Supreme Court’s authority, thereby violating the constitutional framework for state financial management.

In addition to the injunctions and mandatory orders being sought, the claimants request several declarations:

Declaration: That the President, Attorney General, Accountant General, and CBN are bound by the Supreme Court’s order and cannot release or pay Rivers State funds without compliance with the Constitution and the Supreme Court’s decision.

Declaration: That the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, is prohibited from appropriating or expending Rivers State funds without complying with constitutional provisions and the Supreme Court’s order.

Injunction: To restrain the defendants from releasing, paying, appropriating, or expending funds belonging to Rivers State from the Consolidated Revenue Fund unless in strict adherence to the Constitution and the Supreme Court order.

Disclosure and Refund: An order requiring the CBN and the Accountant General of the Federation to provide a full disclosure of all monies belonging to Rivers State that were released, appropriated, or expended after March 18, 2025, without compliance with the Supreme Court order. Additionally, the claimants seek a mandatory injunction directing the return of any such funds.

This legal challenge comes amid ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, particularly regarding the authority of the state government and the role of the Sole Administrator. Lawyers believe this case could set a precedent in terms of the checks and balances on the powers of the federal government in managing state finances.

The claimants are also calling for stronger adherence to judicial orders in state and federal governance, emphasizing the importance of constitutional and legal processes in managing public resources.

The defendants have been given 30 days from the service of the summons to respond to the originating summons filed by the claimants. Should they fail to respond within the stipulated period, the court may proceed with further legal action.

The claimants are represented by Clifford N. Chuku Esq. of Clifford & Clifford Esquires.

______________________________________________________________________ “Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209. ______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation ______________________________________________________________________ ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. Bonus: Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.

How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com

Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626

________________________________________________________________________ The Law And Practice Of Redundancy In Nigeria: A Practitioner’s Guide, Authored By A Labour & Employment Law Expert Bimbo Atilola _______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com